This past January a problem I was having in a minimal way-Peripheral Neuropathy-jumped me from behind and now I'm dealing with not being able to play Drums anymore, something I've done everyday for 43 years.
I've lost the ability in my hands to have any kind of hand control so that I could even play passably. I've practiced everyday for the last 43 years, when I became homeless one of the things I had in my backpack were a pair of Regal Tip 5A's with a Nylon tip, they were my preferred stick throughout my career. I've thrown them in total joy into audiences after a performance and lately I've started throwing them in disgust with tears in my eyes because I no longer have the co-ordination in my hands and legs to play anywhere near my worst day playing my drums.
I used to go to parties in my 20's and 30's even where somewhere during the evening and only if the host asked me too I would go in their kitchen and play the various pots and pans they had with my hand like bongo's or Conga. I loved the nice brass pots, great tones you could get.....and wonderful new friends following the impromptu performance.
This is something I never thought would happen, never, I figured I'd be in a home with sticks and headphones playing on my way out but it won't happen. Have any of you folks had to deal with this kind of loss?? How did you handle it?
I never give up so I'll keep trying until my hands can't hold the sticks at all....what would you guys do?
I gave my youngest a lesson way, way back, its a great pic....
Now he's a bit older, turns 13 tomorrow....
Time sure does go quick, doesn't it.....
